Tammy Duckworth

Infobox Military Person
name=Tammy Duckworth
born= birth year and age|1968
died=
placeofburial=


caption=Army Maj. Ladda "Tammy" Duckworth of the Illinois Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment
nickname=Tammy
placeofbirth=Bangkok, Thailand
placeofdeath=
allegiance=flagcountry|United States
branch=Illinois National Guard
serviceyears=1992—present
rank=Major
unit=106th Aviation Regiment
battles=
awards=
relations=Bryan W. Bowlsbey, husband
laterwork=

Ladda "Tammy" Duckworth (born 1968) is an Illinois National Guard major and Iraq War veteran from the U.S. state of Illinois. [cite news |first=Will |last=Hoover |authorlink= |author= |coauthors= |title=Duckworth working to win |url=http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Jan/08/ln/FP601080334.html |format= |work= |publisher=The Honolulu Advertiser |id= |pages= |page= |date=2006-01-08 |accessdate=2007-09-18 |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate=] She was the Democratic nominee for the U.S. House of Representatives seat for the sixth district of Illinois, which was being vacated by long-time Representative Henry Hyde, and lost to Peter Roskam by 2% of the vote in the highly competitive 2006 House election.cite news | title =Election 2006 Results: State Races, Illinois| publisher =CNN| url = http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2006//pages/results/states/IL/index.html| accessdate = 2007-03-27] On 21 November 2006, Duckworth was appointed the director of the Illinois Veterans' Affairs Department by governor Rod Blagojevich.cite news | last =Sweet| first =Lynn| title =Gov picks Duckworth for Veterans Affairs| publisher =Chicago Sun-Times| date =2006-11-21| url = | accessdate =] She spoke at the Democratic National Convention on August 27, 2008, in support of presidential candidate Barack Obama.cite news | title =Conventions 2008 -- the Democrats| publisher = Washington Post| url = http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/interactives/campaign08/democratic-convention/aug27.html| accessdate = 2008-08-26]

Duckworth's combat wounds in Iraq cost her both of her legs and damaged her right arm. She is married to Major Bryan W. Bowlsbey of the Illinois Army National Guard. In 2007, Bowlsbey was informed that he would be deployed to Iraq in April.cite news | last =Brown| first =Mark| title =Duckworth's husband Iraq-bound| publisher =Chicago Sun-Times| date =2007-02-14| url =http://www.suntimes.com/news/brown/256202,CST-NWS-brown14.article| accessdate = 2007-03-27]

Early years

Duckworth was born in Bangkok, Thailand, the daughter of Frank Duckworth and Lamai S., a native of Thailand. She has a brother named Tom. Her family moved around Southeast Asia when she was young due to her father's jobs with the United Nations and several international companies.cite news | title =After War Injury, an Iraq Vet Takes on Politics| publisher =Washington Post| url = http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/18/AR2006021801295_pf.html| accessdate = 2007-07-10]

The Duckworth family moved to Hawaii when she was 16. In 1985, she graduated with honors from McKinley High School after skipping the ninth grade. She attended the University of Hawai'i, graduating in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science, and later received a Master of Arts in international affairs from George Washington University.cite news | title =Duckworth working to win| publisher =Honolulu Advertiser| url = http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Jan/08/ln/FP601080334.html| accessdate = 2007-07-10]

Duckworth was working towards a Ph.D. in political science at Northern Illinois University with research interests in the political economy and public health in southeast Asia when she deployed to Iraq. She was also working as a staff supervisor at Rotary International headquarters in Evanston, Illinois.cite news | title =Iraq Vet's New Fight is for Congress| publisher =CBS News| url = http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/02/22/politics/main1336745.shtml| accessdate = 2007-07-10] cite news | title =Illinois lieutenant governor honors Rotary Centennial and RI employee| publisher =Rotary International| url = https://www.rotary.org/newsroom/print/cen_050615.html| accessdate = 2007-07-10]

Military service

Duckworth joined the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) as a graduate student at George Washington University in 1990. She became a commissioned officer in the United States Army Reserve in 1992 and chose to fly helicopters because it was one of the few combat jobs open to women. As a member of the Army Reserve, she went to flight school and joined the Illinois National Guard in 1996.cite web| url = http://www.defendamerica.mil/profiles/jan2005/pr010605a.html| title = U.S. Army National Guard Maj. Tammy Duckworth: Illinois Guard officer faces adversity with courage, concern for troops| accessdate = 2007-07-10| last = Haskall| first = Bob| date = 2005-01-06| work = Defend America| publisher = Department of Defense| language = English]

Duckworth lost both of her legs [* [http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=28910&archive=true ‘The pedals were gone, and so were my legs’] June 14, 2005 "Stars and Stripes"] on November 12 2004, when the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter she was co-piloting was hit by a rocket propelled grenade fired by Iraqi insurgents. The explosion "almost completely destroyed her right arm, breaking it in three places and tearing tissue from the back side of it."cite web| url = http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/fgduckworth.htm| title = Franklin G. Duckworth, Captain, United States Army| accessdate = 2006-10-20| last = Camire| first = Dennis| authorlink = Dennis Camire| date = 2005-03-18| publisher = Unofficial Arlington National Cemetery Website| language = English] Duckworth received a Purple Heart on December 3 and was promoted to Major on December 21 at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where she was presented with an Air Medal and Army Commendation Medal.fact|date=March 2007

Duckworth was fitted for prosthetics and is now fully mobile. She helped establish the Intrepid Foundation and is involved in its fundraising to build a rehabilitation center for other injured veterans, and has been critical of the administration of President George W. Bush for its provision of veterans' care:

Although Duckworth disagreed with Bush's decision to invade Iraq, she said that she felt obligated to uphold her commitment. She said, "We should have been fighting the enemies that attacked us at home on 9/11," she said in December 2005. "We should have been out there trying to catch Osama bin Laden."cite news |first = Jon |last = Sarche |authorlink = Jon Sarche |title = Unhappiness with war in Iraq draws dozens of veterans to congressional races |publisher = Associated Press |pages = 1 |page = 1 |date = 2006-02-08 |accessdate = 2006-10-20 |language = English] Duckworth is still a major in the Illinois National Guard, and still serves on some weekends.cite web| url =http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Jan/08/ln/FP601080334.html| title = Duckworth working to win | accessdate = 2007-07-10| last = Hoover| first = Will| authorlink = Will Hoover| date = 2006-01-08| work = The Honolulu Advertiser| publisher = Gannett Co. Inc.| language = English ]

Former Republican Presidential candidate Bob Dole dedicated his biography "One Soldier's Story" in part to Duckworth: "And to Major Tammy Duckworth ... a brave woman wounded in Iraq, who represents all of those with their own battles ahead of them, and their own stories to tell."cite news |first = Michael |last = Sneed |authorlink = Michael Sneed |title = Did you know... |work = Chicago Sun-Times |publisher = Sun-Times News Group |date = 2006-08-20 |language = English] Duckworth credits Dole for inspiring her to pursue public service while she recuperated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. In her campaign for congress, Dole endorsed Duckworth's opponent.cite news |first = John |last = Biemer |authorlink = John Biemer |title = Dole makes it clear: He backs Roskam over Duckworth |url = http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/north/chi-0609290287sep29,1,1068050.story?coll=chi-newslocalnorth-hed&ctrack=1&cset=true |work = Chicago Tribune |publisher = Tribune Company |date = 2006-09-29 |accessdate = 2006-10-20 |language = English (Registration required)]

Duckworth was chosen by the Democratic Party to give the 30 September 2006 response to President Bush's weekly radio address. Her comments included the following:

Instead of a plan or a strategy, we get shallow slogans like 'Mission Accomplished' and 'Stay the course,'...Those slogans are calculated to win an election. But they won't help us accomplish our mission in Iraq... I didn't cut and run, Mr. President. Like so many others, I proudly fought and sacrificed, my helicopter was shot down long after you proclaimed 'mission accomplished.'...We need a Congress that will ask the tough questions and work together for solutions rather than attacking the patriotism of those who disagree,...It is time to encourage Iraqi leaders to take control of their own country and make the tough choices that will stop the civil war and stabilize the country. [ [http://www.dccc.org/news/electronic_media/20060930_duckworth_address/ "Illinois Congressional Candidate Tammy Duckworth to Deliver Democratic Radio Address"] . Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee press release.] [ [http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/09/30/Dems.radio.ap/ "Candidate wounded in Iraq: Bush offers 'shallow slogans'"] (Dead link)] [ [http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chicago/chi-0610010342oct01,1,5609572.story?coll=chi-newslocalchicago-hed "Duckworth: Bush has slogans, not strategies on Iraq"] By John Biemer October 1, 2006 (Dead link)] [ [http://news.bostonherald.com/politics/view.bg?articleid=160047 "War vet turned candidate attacks Bush on Iraq"] By Associated Press Saturday, September 30, 2006.] [ [http://www.nbc5.com/news/9972123/detail.html "Local Democrat, Iraq Vet Rebuts President's Radio Address"] ]

At the AmVets' National Symposium for the Needs of Young Veterans, Duckworth called for improvements in veterans health care:

She called for mandatory funding of veterans’ health care, rather than discretionary funding that could change with political winds; she also wants improvements in transition assistance for those returning to civilian life, particularly for those with disabilities. Duckworth also wanted the Department of Veterans Affairs to hire more veterans as doctors and nurses because they understand what combat veterans face, and she wants the VA to prepare for the possibility of severe respiratory problems in the future for Iraq war veterans. [ [http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/story.php?f=1-292925-2298362.php "Candidate Duckworth sounds call to aid injured vets"] by Rick Maze, "Marine Corps Times" (Dead link)]

Positions

Duckworth described herself as a "fiscal conservative and social moderate." [http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2089-2415686,00.html "War heroine leads Democrat charge"] by Sarah Baxter October 22, 2006 "The Sunday Times"]

Health care

Duckworth considered health care to be one of the most important issues to the voters of the Sixth District. She said, "The fact that there are kids who don't have access to health insurance, we need to be expanding S-CHIP. The fact that there are 25 percent of Americans between 50 and 64 who don't have access to health insurance, we need to let them buy into the federal employee health care system. And we certainly need to fix the entire mess made out of Medicare Part D by this administration. So that's what I'm worried about." [cite web | url=http://mediamatters.org/items/200603240014 | title=CNN's Roberts asked Duckworth if her primary victory signaled failed strategy | publisher=Media Matters for America | date=March 24, 2006]

Abortion

Her position on abortion and end of life decisions was described by the Washington Post as being that they are private matters and should not be subject to federal control. [ [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/18/AR2006021801295_pf.html After War Injury, an Iraq Vet Takes on Politics] ] During her 2006 campaign for U. S. Congress, Duckworth was endorsed by EMILY's List. [Jeff Zeleny and John Biemer . [http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-145673843.html Duckworth praised for stance on abortion: EMILY'S List backs congressional hopeful] . "Chicago Tribune". May 12, 2006.]

Education

On 23 August 2006, Duckworth was endorsed by the Illinois Education Association and the Illinois Federation of Teachers. In accepting the endorsements, Duckworth criticized the Bush Administration's education policy. "The strict, one-size fits-all approach under the No Child Left Behind Act doesn’t offer the flexibility that our local schools, teachers and parents need. The fact that schools in our District are on the "watch list" shows that current adequate yearly progress rules are sorely in need of flexibility," she said. "In our community, too many good schools and their resources are at risk and it’s time for real relief and results for students in the Sixth District. [Duckworth for Congress. [http://www.duckworthforcongress.com/newsroom_details.asp?id=916 "Duckworth outlines steps that can be taken to improve education."] (Dead Link)]

Immigration

Duckworth supported the Senate's immigration plan, which includes strengthening the border but also would allow citizenship for undocumented immigrants who meet certain requirements, which include: criminal background checks, paying all back taxes, paying fines and application fees of $2,750, learning English and taking courses in American culture and civics. Residents would then be eligible for permanent legal residency once existing backlogs for immigrant visas are cleared. [http://www.immigrationforum.org/documents/PolicyWire/Legislation/SenBillPassedSummary.pdf] Some critics of the bill thought it provided amnesty to undocumented aliens.

Instead of building a fence along the border, as the House bill called for, Duckworth suggested increasing the number of border patrol agents by 12,000. Duckworth has called deporting millions of illegal immigrants "unrealistic" [ [http://www.dailyherald.com/politics/story.asp?id=228960 "Debate on immigrants stokes race"] By Eric Krol, Daily Herald Political Writer. Monday, September 18, 2006.(Dead link)]

Criticism of the handling of the Iraq War

Duckworth has criticized the Bush Administration for "failing miserably to plan for Iraq." According to Erinn Deshinsky of the "Peoria Journal Star", "Speaking at a news conference before the dinner, Duckworth said experiencing the war firsthand was frustrating, because she saw how the money was being misused. Instead of having a properly equipped helicopter, she was fed lavish meals. She said simple tasks were contracted to companies for large sums of money, even though soldiers could have easily handled the jobs. She called for more accountability from U.S. leaders when it comes to funding for the war. 'I didn't become a soldier to eat steak and lobster,' Duckworth said, 'but I want my men to be protected.'" [cite news | url=http://www.pjstar.com/stories/080706/REG_BAJPI6J0.045.shtml | author=Deshinsky, Erinn | title=Duckworth cheered at dinner | publisher=Peoria Journal Star | date=August 7, 2006 (Dead link)]

Duckworth's strategic recommendations included requesting an immediate accounting by the U.S. Secretary of Defense of the readiness level and the training of the Iraqi forces, followed by aggressive benchmarks for progress and redeployment of U.S. troops linked to the stand-up of Iraqi troops, saying the U.S. should proceed by standing-down a defined number of U.S. units for every Iraqi battalion that can be properly trained and certified as combat-ready. [Duckworth for Congress. [http://www.duckworthforcongress.com/newsroom_details.asp?id=921 Press release] (Dead link)]

Duckworth has said that the war in Iraq is not central to the war on terror: "I think a very small percentage of what is happening in Iraq is terrorist activity. I think most of it is sectarian violence, it's Sunnis fighting Shiites ... I think that to try to tie Iraq to the war on terror is a disservice to the real work that has to be done in the war on terror, which includes finishing the job in Afghanistan, capturing Osama Bin Laden and destroying Al Qaeda but also protecting our people here at home." [ [http://www.pioneerlocal.com/cgi-bin/ppo-story/localnews/current/eg/09-21-06-1035978.html "Iraq not central in war on terror, Duckworth says"] BY Pat Corcoran "Elk Grove Times" September 21, 2006.]

The Sunday Times reported that Duckworth agreed with General Sir Richard Dannatt, the British Army chief, that the presence of coalition troops is exacerbating the conflict:

"We’re attracting more people to terrorism than ever before. We really need to think about drawing down," she told "The Sunday Times". "I want the secretary of defense to come before Congress and tell us how many Iraqis are fully trained. If two guys can do traffic control in Kirkuk, I want to bring two Americans home."

Duckworth's opponent responded to Duckworth's proposals by saying: "The 6th Congressional District is not a 'cut and run' district. It is not a timetable district." [http://www.dailyherald.com/special/election/story.asp?id=230842 No shared opinions] By Eric Krol, Daily Herald Political Writer. September 23, 2006.] In a debate, Duckworth reacted angrily to this idea: "I just could not believe he would say that to me. I have risked my life to serve my country and you cannot question my patriotism." [ [http://msnbc.msn.com/id/14988252/ "Democrat brings Iraq experience"] to poll By Edward Luce "Financial Times" (Dead link)]

When asked whether she would like to see Bush impeached, Duckworth said that Congress has "far more pressing issues to deal with." [ [http://www.suntimes.com/news/huntley/85997,CST-EDT-HUNT06.article "Dem denials don't end talk of impeachment"] BY Steve Huntley October 6, 2006 "Chicago Sun-Times" (Dead link)]

Call for audit of war spending

In August 2006, Duckworth called on Congress to audit the estimated $437 billion spent on overseas military and foreign aid since September 11, 2001.cite news | publisher=Northbrook Star | date=August 17, 2006 | author=Pat Corcoran |title= Duckworth calls for investigation of foreign spending since 9/11|url=http://www.pioneerlocal.com/cgi-bin/ppo-story/localnews/current/nb/08-17-06-1005047.html (Dead link)] She said, "Real and meaningful oversight has taken a back seat to partisan inaction. With the right kind of leadership Congress can bring greater fiscal discipline and accountability to the billions of dollars we are spending on our military efforts."

Gun politics

On October 10 2006, Duckworth was endorsed by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. The endorsement was announced in a joint appearance with the Fraternal Order of Police, who had also endorsed Duckworth. At the press conference in Lombard, Illinois, Duckworth referred to the recent school shootings and criticized her opponent's opposition to renewing the Federal Assault Weapons Ban, which expired in 2004. Duckworth pointed out that Henry Hyde, then the Sixth district congressman, supported the ban. Duckworth claimed, "Basically, whatever the NRA wants, Peter Roskam will vote for it." Duckworth also supported the Brady Law, which requires background checks for gun purchases from federally licensed firearm dealers. [http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/west/chi-0610110053oct11,1,6499430.story?coll=chi-newslocalwest-hed "Gun law heats up race for Congress"] By John Biemer and Christi Parsons "Chicago Tribune" October 11, 2006. (Registration Required)] [http://www.dailyherald.com/politics/story.asp?id=237246 "Duckworth takes aim at Roskam gun record"] By Eric Krol Daily Herald Political Writer. Wednesday, October 11, 2006. (Dead link)] [ [http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=74081 Brady Campaign Endorses Tammy Duckworth for Congress] October 10, 2006 8:08:00 PM (Dead link)]

Criticism of earmarks

In August 2006, Duckworth criticized the use of earmarks and pork-barrel spending in Congress. Duckworth said that earmarks should be eliminated to rein in spending and to reform ethics, arguing that they often are divvied out in exchange for votes. Duckworth's opponent opposed earmark reform, saying they are 'part of the process' legislators use to cut through bureaucracies and deliver constituents projects like the proton beam. [John Biemer [http://www.topix.net/content/trb/1109424931125116600303672589493073187186 "Hospital plea raises issue in Congress race"] , August 5, 2006, "Chicago Tribune"]

2006 Congressional race

Duckworth is a resident of Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Although part of Hoffman Estates is within the sixth district, Duckworth lives three miles outside of the district. She lives in a disabled-accessible house which was refitted for her access by friends. [ [http://www.dailyherald.com/news/dupagestory.asp?id=233695&cc=d&tc=wht&t=wheaton Duckworth leads all in 6th district] . By Marni Pyke "Daily Herald" Wednesday, March 22, 2006.] The U.S. Constitution requires only that a member, when elected, be "an inhabitant of the state in which he shall be chosen." Illinois does not have a district residency requirement. [ [http://www.hillnews.com/thehill/export/TheHill/News/Frontpage/030906/news2.html Hill News] March 9, 2006. (Dead link)] Duckworth had never held office, and the 2006 race was her first campaign.

Sixth district incumbent Henry Hyde announced his retirement, leaving an open seat. On March 21, 2006, Duckworth won the Democratic primary with 44 percent of the vote against 2004 Democratic nominee Christine Cegelis, who received 40 percent, and Wheaton College professor Lindy Scott, who received 16 percent. [Congressional Quarterly. [http://www.cqpolitics.com/images/Illinois-DemCongress.pdf Illinois U.S. House democratic primary results] . March 21, 2006.]

She faced the Republican nominee, State Senator Peter Roskam in the general election on November 7, 2006. Roskam won. In an interview, Duckworth said another run in 2008 was a "possibility." [ [http://www.belleville.com/mld/belleville/news/politics/15972424.htm Duckworth says future run for office a possibility] , "Belleville News Democrat", November 9, 2006. (Dead link)] In July 2007, Duckworth announced that she will not seek election in 2008, citing her work as director of Illinois Veterans' Affairs. [ [http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-070708duckworth,1,1187752.story?coll=chi-news-hed Topic Galleries - chicagotribune.com ] ]

Endorsements

On October 15 2006, the "Daily Herald" endorsed Duckworth. They cited agreement with Duckworth's views on Iraq, immigration, gun control, on the Federal Marriage Amendment, and on embryonic stem cell research. [ [http://www.dailyherald.com/search/printstory.asp?id=238809 "For the open 6th District House seat: Duckworth"] , "Daily Herald", October 15, 2006.]

On October 18, 2006, the "Chicago Tribune" endorsed Duckworth. The "Tribune" compared Duckworth's sense of principle to retiring Sixth district Republican Congressman Henry Hyde's. It called her unpolished campaigning style "refreshing," and her suggestions for border control "tough measures." The paper observed that Duckworth's opponent has misrepresented her position on immigration. The article concluded: "Tammy Duckworth would shake up the comfy, entrenched politicians in Washington, and she is endorsed." [ [http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-0610180034oct18,1,5442756.story?coll=chi-opinionfront-hed "For Congress: Duckworth"] , "Chicago Tribune", October 18, 2006.]

On October 25, 2006, the "Chicago Sun-Times" endorsed Duckworth. The "Sun Times" said: "Duckworth has grown as a candidate, demonstrating an increasingly impressive grasp of a wide range of issues. She also has thoughtful views on health care and education." [ [http://www.suntimes.com/news/commentary/109448,CST-EDT-edits25.article "Our choices for the U.S. House"] , "Chicago Sun-Times", October 25, 2006.]

On October 27, the Pioneer Press, which operates dozens of local newspapers in the Sixth district, including the "Wheaton Sun" and "The Doings" of Elmhurst, endorsed Duckworth. The editorial read in part:

As a voice of experience, the Iraq war veteran...said she will demand answers and action, including regular spending audits of U.S. contractors in Iraq, training reports of Iraqi police with the goal of replacing one native Iraqi for each U.S. soldier, and earmark-free Pentagon spending that ensure our troops are getting the necessary equipment to fight the war. [http://www.pioneerlocal.com/evanston/news/forum/112549,pp-6duckworth-102606-s1.article "Duckworth for Congress", "Evanston Review", October 26, 2006]

VFW endorsement controversy

On November 3, 2006, according to the "Washington Post", the Veterans of Foreign Wars angered some Illinois veterans by endorsing Roskam over Duckworth. Democratic Senator and Vietnam veteran Bob Kerrey said, "They should be ashamed of themselves." [Babwin, Don. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/03/AR2006110301038.html "VFW Passes Over Veteran in Illinois"] , November 3, 2006; 3:40 PM "Washington Post" (Dead link)] Duckworth held a press conference and said that the VFW had not contacted her or asked her to fill out any forms regarding her positions, as would be typical for a group deciding candidate to endorse. A spokesperson for the VFW's said it had changed its endorsement process and required candidates to request a questionnaire. The same spokesperson said that Roskam got the 11th-hour endorsement after a recommendation from the state VFW chapter. [ [http://www.dailyherald.com/story.asp?id=246267 "Duckworth's war experience not what VFW looking for in 6th District"] by Eric Krol, "Daily Herald" Political Writer. November 03, 2006. (Dead link)] Duckworth is an active member of the VFW. [Biemer, John. [http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/nearwest/chi-0611040230nov04,1,1049716.story?coll=chi-newslocalnearwest-hed VFW shakes Duckworth Roskam] , "Chicago Tribune" November 4, 2006 (Registration required)]

Negative tactics by political opponents

In August 2006, the National Republican Congressional Committee spent $200,000 on seven mailings attacking Duckworth. It was the first congressional race in the country for which the NRCC sent out direct mailings.cite news | author=Biemer, John | publisher=The Chicago Tribune | title=Race for Hyde's seat in Congress heats up | date=September 7, 2006 | url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/nearwest/chi-0609070273sep07,1,1503876.story?coll=chi-newslocalnearwest-hed (Registration required)] The mailings assailed "liberal Tammy Duckworth" on taxes and immigration. One featured a blue-eyed baby and asks "Taxes or Diapers?" Another showed a ghost with the letters IRS on it and warns: "If you vote for Tammy Duckworth you may be visited by the 'ghost of taxes future.'" Republicans based the attacks on what they said were Duckworth's vague statements about repealing some of the Bush administration's tax cuts. Duckworth rebutted with mailings of her own, accusing "Roskam and his friends in Washington" of telling "ghost stories" that distorted her stance, which included making permanent the marriage-penalty reduction and the child tax credit. The mailings implied she opposes them."Essentially they are sending lies through the mail," said Duckworth spokeswoman Christine Glunz.cite news | author=Biemer, John | publisher="The Chicago Tribune" | title=Race for Hyde's seat in Congress heats up | date=September 7, 2006 | url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/nearwest/chi-0609070273sep07,1,1503876.story?coll=chi-newslocalnearwest-hed (Registration required)] The headline of a September 7, 2006 Roskam campaign press release described Duckworth as "unhinged". The press release described the language used in a Duckworth direct mailing as "shrill". [Roskam for Congress. [http://www.roskamforcongress.com/news/view_article.cfm?id=649 Duckworth Unhinged and Calls Roskam - And CNN -] . September 07, 2006.] An October 16, 2006 "Chicago Tribune" editorial later admonished Duckworth's opponent, accusing him of misrepresenting what the paper had said about Duckworth's immigration stance. The article ends:

A word to Mr. Blagojevich and Mr. Roskam. If you choose to quote us, please take care to relate what we said, not what you wish we'd said. Get it right--or leave us out of it. [ [http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-0610160156oct16,1,6229189.story?coll=chi-opinionfront-hed Opinion section] . "Chicago Tribune". October 16, 2006. (Dead link)]

The "Financial Times" reported that "...the Republicans have put out well packaged television advertisements questioning Ms Duckworth's patriotism."Luce, Edward. [http://search.ft.com/ftArticle?queryText=Democrat+brings+Iraq+experience+to+poll&y=0&aje=true&x=0&id=060924003937 "Democrat brings Iraq experience to poll"] , "Financial Times", September 24, 2006.] Duckworth has responded to this questioning vigorously:

I am sick and tired of the Republicans saying "Either you agree with us on national security or you are not patriotic." It is total baloney – in fact I have a better army word, but I can't use it. We must never forget that it is patriotic and it is American to question people in power.

In October 2006, U.S. Senator from Illinois Barack Obama appeared in a Duckworth TV ad. It said in part:

"Illegal immigration is a serious problem — one that demands honest answers. That's not what you're getting with Peter Roskam's TV ads. The "Tribune" calls his attacks on Tammy Duckworth misleading. Tammy and I both support John McCain's plan, which does not include amnesty or benefits for illegal immigrants. [cite news | title=The GOP's dirty deeds of 2006 | date=2006-11-21 | first=Alex | last=Koppelman | coauthors= Lauren Shell | publisher= | url =http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2006/11/21/cheat_sheet/ | work =Salon.com | pages = | accessdate = 2008-03-14 | language = ] [Biemer, John. [http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/news_theswamp/2006/10/obama_helps_duc.html "Obama helps Duckworth"] , "Chicago Tribune" The Swamp, news blog, October 18, 2006.] [Duckworth for Congress. [http://www.duckworthforcongress.com/obama/ Press release] . (Dead link)]

According to a "Chicago Tribune" editorial:

Roskam told the crowd at the GOP's campaign headquarters that the "entire world is watching this campaign" against Democrat Tammy Duckworth for the west suburban seat being given up by retiring Rep. Henry Hyde. As proof, he said a radio producer told him that Al Jazeera (the Arabic language news network) had covered his debate with Duckworth last week. The crowd gasped. "Now that's a real interesting group that would come out and cover the 6th Congressional District," Roskam observed. "Al Jazeera has an interest in who wins in the 6th Congressional District? I'm telling ya, let's send them an answer, whaddya say?" The crowd cheered. [ [http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-trailmix-story,1,6327487.story?coll=chi-politics-topheadlines&ctrack=1&cset=true 'Governor, stick to politics'] , "Chicago Tribune" Editorial, October 23, 2006. (Registration required)]

Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Duckworth was appointed Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs on November 21, 2006. [ [http://www.state.il.us/agency/dva/staff.htm Dvahome ] ]

Duckworth has helped develop state programs giving tax credits to employers who hire vets who served in Iraq, Afghanistan or Desert Storm, more state grants to service organizations, and backing for below-market mortgages for veterans. [ [http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2007/05/sweet_column_vets_chief_duckwo.html Vets chief Duckworth mulling House rematch] . By Lynn Sweet "Chicago Sun-Times"]

Duckworth was honored by Chicago's Access Living for "her extraordinary commitment to veterans with disabilities". [ [http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=community&id=5400678 Duckworth to be honored for commitment to disabled veterans] By Karen Meyer "ABC7Chicago"]

References

ee also

*Veterans for a Secure America
*VoteVets.org

External links

* [http://www.duckworthforcongress.com/ Tammy Duckworth campaign website]
* [http://www.state.il.us/agency/dva/staff.htm Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, Staff biography page]
* [http://www.newsmeat.com/campaign_contributions_to_politicians/donor_list.php?candidate_id=H6IL06141 Newsmeat.com's list of Duckworth's campaign contributors]
* [http://www.opensecrets.org/races/summary.asp?ID=IL06&Cycle=2006 opensecrets.org Total Raised and Spent: Illinois District 6]
* [http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/can_detail/H6IL06141/ Federal Election Commission contributor list]

Audio links

* [http://www.wbbm780.com/pages/213.php 24 September debate] on WBBM radio
* [http://www.dccc.org/news/electronic_media/20060930_duckworth_address/ Audio and transcript] of Duckworth's 30 September response to President Bush's weekly radio address
* [http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/chicago/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=981147 National Public Radio piece] on 19 October debate at College of DuPage

=Video link=
* [http://www.icirr.org/stories/antiimmigrant.htm NCRR Mailers and Ads] at the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights website